I think it makes quite a good bridge." Egbert said he could hop across it on one foot, and George gave him leave to try, while he, George, held his fishing-pole for him.

George followed him over the log, and then told him that he was very sorry to say it, but that he found that they could not go a-fishing that day.

Egbert wished to know the reason.

George said it was a private reason and he could not tell him then, but that he would tell him that evening after he had gone to bed.
There was a story about it, too, he said, that he would tell him at the same time.
Egbert was curious to know what the reason could be for changing the plan, and also to hear the story.

Still he was extremely disappointed in having to lose his fishing, and very much disposed to be angry with George for not going on.